Iradukunda Aimable, commonly known as Yugi Umukaraza, has been arrested by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and is being held in custody as authorities investigate allegations of rape involving Mbabazi Shadia, popularly known as Shaddy Boo.
RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry confirmed the arrest to IGIHE, stating that the suspect is being detained at the RIB Kimironko Station while investigations into the case continue.
According to the allegations under investigation, Yugi Umukaraza is accused of raping Shaddy Boo at her residence on the night of June 21, 2026.
Shaddy Boo told IGIHE that she and the suspect were previously friends and that he visited her home that evening carrying two bottles of alcohol, which they consumed together.
She further stated that after they spent time drinking, she later lost consciousness due to intoxication and woke up the following morning to find herself naked with the suspect beside her.
She said she was deeply shocked by the incident, adding that it was not consensual and that she believes she was taken advantage of while in a vulnerable state.
Authorities have not yet issued further details as investigations continue.
Iradukunda Aimable, commonly known as Yugi Umukaraza, has been arrested by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and is being held in custody as authorities investigate allegations of rape involving Mbabazi Shadia, popularly known as Shaddy Boo.Shaddy Boo claims the suspect took advantage of her at her home.
The 2026 edition of Kigali Fashion Week, held from May 25 to 30, marked the event’s highly anticipated comeback, featuring runway shows at Kigali Universe and The Pinnacle, among other venues. The event drew designers, models, diplomats, corporate partners, and fashion enthusiasts from across the region.
However, weeks after the celebrations ended, Bunyeshuri says serious disagreements emerged behind the scenes, prompting him to cancel a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with LG Events in November 2025.
The open-air setting of Kigali Universe Bridge added a distinctive visual identity to Kigali Fashion Week’s runway presentation.
Speaking in an interview with IGIHE, Bunyeshuri praised the event’s execution and the efforts of the organising team but claimed that financial and operational concerns ultimately led to the collapse of the partnership.
“I think it was very successful,” he said of the event. “I must give credit to those who were behind managing and running it. The Rwandans who worked tirelessly behind the scenes did a really good job. Kigali Fashion Week came back with a bang.”
Despite commending the production, Bunyeshuri alleged that disputes arose over finances and communication during and after the event. According to him, several service providers and members of the organizing team later contacted him claiming they had not been paid.
The fashion showcase at Kigali Universe Bridge reflected Kigali’s growing reputation as a hub for creative industries.
He further alleged that approximately Rwf 35 million linked to various contributors and partners remained unaccounted for, though he acknowledged that he was not directly involved in the event’s financial management.
“The partners I’m talking about are the Americans and some Rwandans who worked with this event. None of them were paid. The Rwandans who were part of the organizing team were not paid,” he claimed.
Bunyeshuri also alleged that repeated attempts to reach LG Events after the event were unsuccessful.
“We gave him 14 days to come back to us. He didn’t come back. We wrote to him, but he didn’t answer calls. We used our legal team to write to him, he didn’t respond,” he said.
Designers from across the region presented bold and creative collections
The fashion entrepreneur further revealed that complaints had been filed with authorities in both Rwanda and Uganda.
“We have filed formal complaints. Everything is in the process. We want justice for the people who were affected,” he revealed.
Bunyeshuri maintained that he never received any financial benefit from the agreement, despite being entitled to 15 percent under the partnership arrangement.
“I never received a single dime from this project,” he stated.
LG Events responds
In response to these heavy allegations, LG Events Production and Creative Director, George Lugoloobi, rejected suggestions that his company’s role was merely operational.
Kigali Fashion Week turned Kigali Universe Bridge into a center of creativity as designers unveiled modern and innovative collections.
Speaking to IGIHE, Lugoloobi defended his team’s work, framing the financial strain as an inherent hurdle in building a long-term “creative ecosystem” rather than operational mismanagement.
“The success and visibility of this edition did not happen by accident. It was built through strategy, creative direction, execution, sacrifice, and significant financial risk,” Lugoloobi argued.
However, Lugoloobi’s defense avoids the specific financial rescue lines highlighted by the founder, who noted that a sponsor, Thompson Samson, had to step up to pay all 80 models present entirely out of pocket to avoid “embarrassment.”
Bunyeshuri pointed out that Samson “lost a lot of money” as funds went missing, questioning how the event’s capital was actually allocated.
In his response, Lugoloobi challenged the assumption that the event generated immediate profits, noting that first-year revivals require significant reinvestment. However, he fell short of addressing the core financial issues regarding service providers, who are yet to receive their money.
“In a first year of rebuilding any platform, profit is rarely the focus… Success on the outside does not always reflect the financial pressure, debt, and operational burden behind the scenes,” he stated.
Bunyeshuri (right)revealed that complaints had been filed with authorities in both Rwanda and Uganda.
Lugoloobi heavily criticised Bunyeshuri for airing what he termed as unresolved grievances in the press.
“What raises concern for me is the decision to take unresolved matters directly into the media before full financial reconciliation and due process have taken place,” Lugoloobi said. “That approach creates unnecessary public speculation instead of allowing the facts to be established through proper channels.”
While Bunyeshuri has said the partnership has been cancelled and control of the brand has reverted to him, Lugoloobi insisted that LG Events is not contesting ownership of Kigali Fashion Week.
“We are not fighting for ownership. We respect the history of the platform and the role of its founder,” he said.
“However, respect must also be given to creative minds, strategic contributions, and the value of the work that transformed this edition.”
Lugoloobi added that any transition should be handled professionally and should account for outstanding debts, liabilities, and obligations associated with rebuilding the platform.
“If the intention is to reclaim the platform, then the responsible thing is to settle matters accordingly, through proper financial reconciliation and mutual respect,” he noted.
Despite the dispute, both parties acknowledged the undeniable success of Kigali Fashion Week’s return and its positive impact on Rwanda’s creative economy.
Kigali Fashion Week created a unique atmosphere on Kigali Universe Bridge with lights, music, and runway presentations.
Bunyeshuri stated that the event renewed enthusiasm among young designers and models, confirming that discussions are already underway for future editions later this year.
“We’re not going to stop. We’re going to build on what they built,” he remarked.
As formal legal and financial complaints unfold with authorities in both Kigali and Kampala, the final resolution of the dispute, and whether local service providers will ever see their money, remains to be seen.
Watch the full interview with John Bunyeshuri below:
According to RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, the complaint has been officially registered and an investigation has begun. He also confirmed that the complainant underwent medical examinations.
“We have received the complaint and investigations have begun. The complainant also underwent medical examinations at Isange One Stop Center,” the spokesperson revealed.
On June 22, 2026, Shaddy Boo publicly appealed to RIB via social media, later stating that she had been advised to proceed with medical testing as part of the investigation process.
Shaddy Boo alleges that the rape incident occurred during the night of June 21, 2026, at her residence. She claims that the suspect, a former friend, visited her home carrying alcohol, which they consumed together.
She further alleges that after drinking, she became intoxicated and later woke up to find herself undressed, with the man beside her, suggesting that sexual intercourse had taken place without her consent.
She stated that the situation caused her significant distress, emphasising that the encounter was not consensual and that she believed she had been taken advantage of while she was vulnerable.
RIB has stated that investigations into the case are ongoing.
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has confirmed that it has received a complaint filed by socialite Shadia Mbabazi, commonly known as Shaddy Boo, who accuses Iradukunda Aimable, popularly known as Yugi Umukaraza, of sexual assault.Shaddy Boo claims Yugi Umukaraza took advantage of her on the night of June 21, 2026.
The proposal was presented during a high-level symposium held in Kigali on June 19, where government officials, fashion industry stakeholders, and university representatives toured the future campus facilities.
The institution is currently undergoing accreditation in Rwanda and the United States before launching degree programmes in fashion design and fashion merchandising.
Officials said the initiative aims to bridge the gap between creativity and business by training students in design, merchandising, branding, and fashion marketing. They noted that while Africa’s creative economy is valued at more than $58 billion, the continent remains underrepresented in the global fashion industry, currently worth about $1.8 trillion and projected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2030.
The proposed school is intended to help address shortages in specialized training, infrastructure, and industry support that have limited Africa’s participation in the sector.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Trade and Industry Antoine Kajangwe said the project aligns with Rwanda’s ambition to develop a competitive textile and garment industry capable of serving regional and global markets.
“As we continue our industrialization drive, skills development will be a very important component of that process,” Kajangwe said, adding that the programmes will help develop strong Made-in-Rwanda fashion brands.
Kent State University’s Vice President for Global Education, Marcello Fantoni, said Rwanda was selected after extensive research across Africa because of its strong investment in education and human capital development.
“We are not coming here to teach Rwandans how to do fashion. Rather, we are here to help Rwandans teach the world how they do fashion,” Fantoni said.
The proposed university also plans to incorporate African textile history and trade routes into its curriculum while maintaining international academic standards.
According to officials, graduates will receive qualifications equivalent to those awarded by Kent State University in the United States. Discussions are also underway with Rwanda’s Ministry of Education to facilitate sponsorship opportunities and preferential tuition arrangements for eligible students.
The university says the project is expected to support job creation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and talent development while positioning Rwanda as an emerging hub for fashion, textiles, and the broader creative economy.
The proposal was announced during a high-level symposium held in Kigali on June 19, where government officials, fashion industry stakeholders, and university representatives toured the future campus facilities.
The annual event, commonly known as the King’s Birthday Party, brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and artists for an evening that blended formal diplomacy with a festival-style celebration.
British High Commissioner to Rwanda Alison Thorpe said the choice of June for the celebration reflects a longstanding British tradition of marking the monarch’s birthday twice, once in June and again in November during the actual birthday month.
“For those of you who were here in November, you might be wondering why we are celebrating again so soon. The answer is a wonderfully British tradition,” she said, noting that the June timing was also chosen for its favourable summer weather.
Thorpe said this year’s theme focused on music festivals, describing them as spaces where people come together for “great music, good friends, and lots and lots of dancing.”
She highlighted the cultural parallels between global festivals such as Glastonbury in the United Kingdom and Rwanda’s own Kivu Fest, saying both reflect the power of music to connect communities.
The High Commissioner also used the occasion to outline the United Kingdom’s evolving approach to Africa, saying London has shifted from a traditional donor model to what she described as a more balanced partnership focused on investment and shared growth.
“In plain terms, that means we have moved from being an old-fashioned donor to a genuine investor and partner,” she said, adding that the new approach prioritises trade, development partnerships, and people-to-people links.
She highlighted growing economic ties between Rwanda and the UK, including efforts to increase exports of Rwandan tea and coffee to British supermarkets, expand high-value investment projects, and deepen cooperation through the British Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda.
Thorpe also emphasised long-standing institutional partnerships, noting cooperation between Rwandan institutions such as the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) and the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), as well as more than 60 university partnerships between the two countries.
On development cooperation, she said the relationship has evolved into one built on shared expertise and mutual learning, while reaffirming commitments in areas such as education, climate resilience, financial sector development, and Ebola preparedness.
The UK has recently committed £800,000 (about Rwf 1.6 billion) in new funding to strengthen Rwanda’s preparedness for Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic diseases.
“We have long partnerships and we can and will do more,” she affirmed.
Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Usta Kaitesi, who was the guest of honour, echoed the message of strong bilateral ties, describing the relationship between Rwanda and the United Kingdom as one grounded in mutual respect, regular dialogue, and shared development goals.
She noted that while differences may occasionally arise on regional or international issues, such moments do not define the partnership.
“Such moments do not define our relationship. Rather, they remind us that genuine partnerships are strengthened through honest dialogue, mutual understanding, and continued engagement,” she remarked.
Dr. Kaitesi highlighted key areas of cooperation, including education, social protection, climate resilience, public financial management, and Ebola preparedness. She also pointed to expanding economic engagement, with British investment active in sectors such as renewable energy, mining, agriculture, hospitality, infrastructure, and financial services.
She welcomed the establishment of the British Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda as a milestone in strengthening trade and investment relations.
The Minister also acknowledged cultural and creative initiatives supported by the UK, including efforts to connect Rwandan fashion designers with their British counterparts through the Rwanda Fashion Entrepreneurship Programme, describing it as an example of diplomacy extending beyond policy into people-centred collaboration.
“This initiative demonstrates that diplomacy is not only about governance, it is equally about creating opportunities for people, innovation, and cultural exchange,” she noted.
Dr. Kaitesi reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to working with the UK to promote peace, stability, and shared prosperity before proposing a toast to His Majesty King Charles III and the continued friendship between the two nations.
Beyond the formal speeches, the celebration featured live performances by Okay Bisoke, Umuriri Band, Coco, DJ Cynthasizer, DJ JP Zed, and DJ Trick. Guests also enjoyed traditional drumming, gymnastics, juggling, and fire-eating performances.
The festival-themed event included food stalls, craft beers, cocktails, silent disco and lounge areas, with menus inspired by the traditional King’s Birthday Parade offerings, including dishes such as cod.
The vibrant evening reflected what both sides described as a growing partnership, one that blends diplomacy, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange into a shared celebration of friendship between Rwanda and the United Kingdom.
The annual event, commonly known as the King’s Birthday Party, brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and artists for an evening that blended formal diplomacy with a festival-style celebration.British High Commissioner to Rwanda Alison Thorpe said the choice of June for the celebration reflects a longstanding British tradition of marking the monarch’s birthday twice, once in June and again in November during the actual birthday month.Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Usta Kaitesi, who was the guest of honour, echoed the message of strong bilateral ties, describing the relationship between Rwanda and the United Kingdom as one grounded in mutual respect, regular dialogue, and shared development goals.Dr. Kaitesi reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to working with the UK to promote peace, stability, and shared prosperity before proposing a toast to His Majesty King Charles III and the continued friendship between the two nations.It was a night to celebrate music, culture, and friendship under the stars.The festival-themed event included food stalls, craft beers, cocktails, silent disco and lounge areas, with menus inspired by the traditional King’s Birthday Parade offerings, including dishes such as cod.One of the guests won a two-night all-inclusive stay for two at the newly refurbished Sambora Kinigi Lodge through a raffle draw.
The intervention comes just hours after Mutesi threatened to escalate the matter legally, instructing her lawyers at Mbidde & Co. Advocates to pursue defamation proceedings against Bebe Cool over allegations linking her to a fraud scheme. She had given him a 48-hour deadline to issue an apology.
In a statement posted on X, Mutesi said she had taken the accusations seriously and formally handed the matter to her legal counsel, attaching a notice from her lawyers indicating intent to pursue legal action.
“To the general public, I would like to tell you that I didn’t take allegations made by MOSES SSALI aka BEBE COOL lightly and in the interest of ensuring that all matters are handled appropriately, I have formally referred this matter to my legal counsel,” she wrote.
The legal notice, issued by Kampala-based Mbidde & Co. Advocates on June 17, 2026, accused Bebe Cool of publishing defamatory statements on his verified X account, alleging that Mutesi was involved in fraudulent activity in 2025. The lawyers described the claims as false, malicious, and damaging to her reputation.
The letter further stated that Mutesi had no dealings with the musician and disputed the alleged phone number cited in the accusations, describing it as linked to impersonators and unrelated to her identity. It also demanded an immediate retraction, a public apology, and a written undertaking within 48 hours, warning of legal proceedings if these demands were not met.
The dispute originated from earlier posts by Bebe Cool in which he alleged that Mutesi had scammed him using the names of Rwanda and Arsenal F.C. The claims sparked public backlash and prompted Mutesi to deny any involvement, suggesting she may have been impersonated online.
However, the situation shifted after Gen. Muhoozi intervened, announcing that he had spoken to both parties and helped broker a resolution.
“My brother @BebeCoolUG has apologised to Miss @JollyMutesi. Jolly has accepted the apology. All is well. So everybody relax,” he wrote.
Following the intervention, Mutesi confirmed acceptance of the apology, posting: “Apology accepted sir. Thank you for guidance.”
Bebe Cool also confirmed that he had received a call from Gen. Muhoozi, who advised him to de-escalate the matter and resolve it privately rather than continue the exchange on social media.
“This morning, I received a call from my big brother, Kainerugaba, regarding the issue with Jolly. As my elder and leader, he advised me to drop it, delete the tweets, and resolve it amicably off social media since we are both family to him and there is no need for a public spat,” he said.
He added that he accepted the guidance and agreed to move on, effectively bringing an end to the public confrontation.
The resolution closes a dispute that had drawn significant attention online, shifting from social media accusations to formal legal threats before being resolved through high-level intervention.
The intervention comes just hours after Mutesi threatened to escalate the matter legally, instructing her lawyers at Mbidde & Co. Advocates to pursue defamation proceedings against Bebe Cool over allegations linking her to a fraud scheme. Gen. Muhoozi announced in a post on X that he had spoken to both parties and helped broker a resolution.Bebe Cool also confirmed that he had received a call from Gen. Muhoozi, who advised him to de-escalate the matter and resolve it privately rather than continue the exchange on social media.
In a statement shared on X, Mutesi said she had not taken the allegations lightly and confirmed that she had formally instructed her legal representatives to handle the matter. She attached a legal notice issued by Kampala-based law firm Mbidde & Co. Advocates, signalling the start of potential defamation proceedings.
“To the general public, I would like to tell you that I didn’t take allegations made by Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool lightly and in the interest of ensuring that all matters are handled appropriately, I have formally referred this matter to my legal counsel,” she wrote.
The legal letter, dated June 17, 2026, accuses Bebe Cool of publishing defamatory statements on his verified X account, alleging that Mutesi was involved in fraudulent activity in 2025. The lawyers argue that the claims are false, malicious, and have damaged her reputation.
The notice further states that Mutesi has never had any dealings with the singer and challenges the alleged phone number used in the accusations, describing it as unrelated to her identity and linked to impersonators.
The lawyers have demanded an immediate retraction of the statements, a public apology, and a written undertaking within 48 hours, warning that failure to comply will lead to legal proceedings.
The dispute stems from earlier claims by Bebe Cool alleging that Mutesi was involved in a scam that used the names of Rwanda and Arsenal F.C. Mutesi has previously denied the allegations, suggesting she may have been impersonated online.
The escalating feud has drawn widespread attention on social media, with fans on both sides closely following the unfolding dispute.
Further developments are expected as the legal deadline approaches.
To the general public.
I would like to tell you that I didn’t take allegations made by MOSES SSALI aka BEBE COOL @BebeCoolUG lightly and in the interest of ensuring that all matters are handled appropriately, I have formally referred this matter to my legal counsel. @Mbidde. pic.twitter.com/R7TWVIgnOc
— Jolly Mutesi. #TeamPK (@JollyMutesi) June 17, 2026
Former Miss Rwanda 2016 Jolly Mutesi has threatened legal action against Ugandan musician Bebe Cool following accusations linking her to an alleged fraud scheme, escalating a public dispute that has unfolded on social media.
According to updated records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Combs is now scheduled to be released from FCI Fort Dix on February 23, 2028, several months earlier than earlier projections.
The revised date marks another adjustment to the 56-year-old’s 50-month sentence. Initial estimates placed his release in May 2028 before it was briefly pushed to June following reported institutional issues. However, the timeline has since been shortened.
The reduction is believed to be linked in part to Combs’ participation in the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), a federal rehabilitation initiative that can provide eligible inmates with opportunities to reduce their sentences. Sources close to the former hip-hop executive say he has remained committed to the program and focused on personal rehabilitation during his incarceration.
Combs’ current circumstances represent a dramatic shift from the lavish lifestyle that once made him one of the entertainment industry’s most influential figures.
In July 2025, a federal jury found him guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act. However, he was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
In October 2025, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced Combs to more than four years in prison. The sentence included credit for 14 months already served, a $500,000 fine, and five years of supervised release following his imprisonment.
While federal authorities do not publicly disclose the exact calculations used to determine sentence reductions, inmates may earn earlier release dates through a combination of good-conduct credits, time already served, and successful completion of approved rehabilitation programs.
Despite the revised release date, Combs’ legal team continues to pursue an appeal in hopes of overturning the conviction or obtaining a further reduction in his sentence. For now, the former music powerhouse remains at FCI Fort Dix, with his expected return to freedom now set for early 2028.
According to updated records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Combs is now scheduled to be released from FCI Fort Dix on February 23, 2028, several months earlier than earlier projections.
Jolly Mutesi responded by reminding Bebe Cool that, as a public figure, he should verify information thoroughly before making public accusations that could harm someone’s reputation.
The dispute began after Bebe Cool claimed on his X account that Jolly Mutesi, who lives in the United Kingdom and is an Arsenal supporter, had allegedly scammed him last year using the names of Rwanda and Arsenal F.C.
“This woman @mutesi_jolly stays in the UK, and she always watches Arsenal games. She conned me last year in the name of Rwanda, Arsenal football club, and now she’s on another big mission,” Bebe Cool wrote.
Speaking to IGIHE,Jolly Mutesi denied any involvement in the alleged scam and suggested that the musician may have been deceived by individuals impersonating her on Facebook.
“I do not know what happened, but it is possible that people pretending to be me on Facebook were responsible,” she said.
When asked whether she knew any details about the alleged fraud or had attempted to contact Bebe Cool, Mutesi said she had no information about the matter. However, she emphasised that public figures should be more careful before making accusations.
In a message shared on X, Mutesi expressed sympathy for Bebe Cool if he had indeed fallen victim to fraud but urged him to verify facts before publicly blaming others.
“First and foremost, I regret that you were scammed by an impersonator, but please, next time use common sense and fact-check before making allegations about people’s names. As a public figure, you must know better and do better, thank you,” she wrote.
She further noted that celebrities have a responsibility to be mindful of their words because their statements can significantly impact the lives and reputations of others.
Meanwhile, Bebe Cool has indicated that he plans to share the full story with his followers in the future and explain exactly how the alleged incident occurred.
Bebe Cool has accused Miss Jolly Mutesi of defrauding him, although reports suggest that he may have been deceived by individuals impersonating her.Miss Jolly Mutesi urged Bebe Cool to exercise caution and conduct proper fact-checking before making accusations, noting that, as a celebrity, his statements carry significant influence and could negatively affect the reputation and well-being of others.
Now, the rising comedian is setting his sights beyond Rwanda’s borders.
Having established himself as one of the standout performers on Kigali’s popular Gen-Z Comedy platform, Muhinde is increasingly performing in English as part of a broader ambition to reach audiences across East Africa and eventually on the global comedy stage.
“It wasn’t really about leaving Kinyarwanda behind; it was about realising that I could do both,” Muhinde told IGIHE, emphasising that performing in English does not mean abandoning the Kinyarwanda roots that helped shape his career.
The comedian, who recently completed his studies at Rwanda Polytechnic in Musanze, believes performing in English is a necessary step if he is to take Rwandan comedy to international audiences.
“Over the years, we’ve invited international comedians to Rwanda, and some of them have been willing to share their platforms and opportunities with us. That made me realise that if I want to reach international audiences and grow beyond Rwanda, I need to be able to perform in English as well,” he explained.
Muhinde’s journey into comedy began long before he stepped onto a professional stage. Born on April 10, 2003, he grew up entertaining friends, neighbours, and family members with his natural ability to find humour in everyday situations.
He credits Rwandan comedy pioneer Babu Joe as one of his earliest inspirations.
“I used to make everyone laugh and leave them in stitches. Anywhere you could find me, people around were always laughing,” he recalled.
That talent eventually led him to perform at a show organised by Babu before joining Gen-Z Comedy in 2022, where he quickly became one of the platform’s most recognisable young comedians.
His rise, however, was not without challenges.
While building his comedy career, Muhinde was also pursuing higher education in Musanze, often travelling between Musanze and Kigali to perform.
“The hardest part was when comedy shows happened on the same days as exams or important classes. There were times when I had to make difficult decisions and manage my time very carefully,” he said.
Those sacrifices paid off on May 28, 2026, when he headlined the highly anticipated “Graduation Comedy Special” at Camp Kigali, a show organised by his mentor Fally Merci to celebrate both his academic achievement and his growth as a comedian.
The event marked a symbolic transition from student comedian to a performer with regional ambitions.
Although performing in English presents new challenges, Muhinde says he has invested significant time in improving his craft through workshops, preparation and learning from experienced comedians.
One lesson that has transformed his performances is learning to think directly in English rather than translating jokes from Kinyarwanda.
“If you’re going to perform comedy in another language, you need to think in that language. If you think in your native language and then translate the joke later, it can lose its rhythm, meaning and impact,” he said.
Known for his crowd work and roasting skills, Muhinde acknowledges that performing outside Rwanda will require adaptation, especially in front of audiences unfamiliar with local celebrities and cultural references.
“When performing for an international audience, I know I can’t rely on references to Kigali celebrities or local inside jokes. That’s why research becomes very important,” he noted.
Despite those adjustments, he believes Rwandan comedy has something unique to offer international audiences.
“What makes our humour unique is our perspective and the way we tell stories,” he said. “I’ve learned how to turn my struggles, challenges and even things people might see as weaknesses into comedy. People connect with that because it’s honest.”
For now, Muhinde’s immediate focus is East Africa.
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania top his list of countries where he hopes to perform, with Uganda holding special significance due to his connections with the country’s vibrant comedy scene through collaborations with Comedy Store Uganda.
“My goal is to grow across East Africa first before expanding to other international stages,” he said.
To accelerate that journey, Muhinde is increasingly relying on digital platforms. He has begun performing regularly at English-language comedy events in Rwanda and plans to use recordings from those shows to build a presence on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
“Social media is one of the most important tools I have for reaching international audiences,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Muhinde sees himself becoming an internationally recognised comedian within the next two to three years. Among his goals are releasing his first English-language comedy special and representing Rwanda on stages abroad.
But his ambitions extend beyond personal success.
“My ultimate dream is not only to build a successful career for myself but also to create opportunities for others,” he said. “I would love to have my own comedy show that gives a platform to young comedians, helping them showcase their talent and grow in the industry.”
For a comedian whose career began with jokes among friends and neighbours, the journey from Kigali to the international stage may still be unfolding. Yet with a growing audience, an expanding English-language repertoire, and clear ambitions beyond Rwanda’s borders, Muhinde appears determined to prove that Rwandan comedy can resonate far beyond home.
Having established himself as one of the standout performers on Kigali’s popular Gen-Z Comedy platform, Muhinde is increasingly performing in English as part of a broader ambition to reach audiences across East Africa and eventually on the global comedy stage.Muhinde sees himself becoming an internationally recognised comedian within the next two to three years. On May 28, 2026, Muhinde headlined the highly anticipated “Graduation Comedy Special” at Camp Kigali, a show organised by his mentor Fally Merci to celebrate both his academic achievement and his growth as a comedian.The comedian, who recently completed his studies at Rwanda Polytechnic in Musanze, believes performing in English is a necessary step if he is to take Rwandan comedy to international audiences.
